Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU Review: Is It Worth It?
Are you looking for a new monitor that won't break the bank but still delivers a solid gaming experience? Well, you've probably stumbled upon the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU. This monitor has been making waves in the budget gaming scene, and for good reason. But is it really worth your hard-earned cash? Let's dive deep and find out!
First Impressions and Build Quality
Alright, let's talk about first impressions. Unboxing the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU, you'll immediately notice its sleek, understated design. It's not flashy or over-the-top, which, honestly, is a good thing for many gamers who prefer a clean setup. The build quality feels surprisingly solid for a budget monitor. The stand is sturdy and offers a good range of adjustments, including tilt, swivel, and height – a feature often missing in this price range.
The monitor's bezels are reasonably thin, giving you a more immersive viewing experience. The matte finish on the screen is a nice touch, cutting down on annoying reflections. The back of the monitor is simple and functional, with all the necessary ports easily accessible. Speaking of ports, you get HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA, covering all your connectivity needs. No USB-C here, but hey, you can't have everything at this price point!
The overall design is practical and functional, focusing on what matters most: delivering a good image without unnecessary frills. The materials used feel durable, suggesting that this monitor can withstand the rigors of daily use. The adjustability of the stand is a major plus, allowing you to find the perfect viewing angle for those long gaming sessions. For gamers who value a clean and functional aesthetic, the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU certainly hits the mark. Its robust build quality and thoughtful design elements make it a standout in the budget monitor category. Setting up the monitor is a breeze, with intuitive controls and a user-friendly menu system. The OSD (On-Screen Display) is easy to navigate, allowing you to quickly adjust settings like brightness, contrast, and color profiles. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or a casual user, you'll appreciate the simplicity and ease of use that the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU offers.
Image Quality: Colors, Contrast, and Clarity
Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: image quality. The Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU boasts a 23.8-inch VA panel with a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution. While some might scoff at 1080p in this day and age, it's still a sweet spot for many gamers, especially when paired with a high refresh rate. The VA panel technology delivers decent colors and good contrast. Colors are vibrant and reasonably accurate, making games and movies look engaging. The contrast ratio is where this monitor shines, providing deep blacks and bright whites, which adds depth and realism to the image.
However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. VA panels are known for their slower response times compared to TN panels, which can lead to some ghosting or blurring in fast-paced games. The Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU does a pretty good job of mitigating this issue with its overdrive settings, but it's still noticeable if you're particularly sensitive to it. Viewing angles are also decent, but the image can shift slightly when viewed from extreme angles.
The monitor's color accuracy is commendable, offering a visually pleasing experience for both gaming and everyday use. The Full HD resolution ensures that images are sharp and clear, without putting too much strain on your graphics card. Gamers with mid-range PCs will find that the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU strikes a good balance between visual fidelity and performance. The high contrast ratio is a standout feature, providing rich and immersive visuals that enhance the overall gaming experience. While the response times may not be as fast as some TN panels, the overdrive settings help to minimize ghosting and blurring, making it a viable option for competitive gaming. The monitor's image quality is further enhanced by its flicker-free technology and blue light reduction, which help to reduce eye strain during extended use. These features make the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU a comfortable and enjoyable monitor to use for long periods. Whether you're gaming, watching movies, or working on productivity tasks, the monitor's image quality is sure to impress.
Gaming Performance: Response Time and Refresh Rate
Alright, gamers, this is where things get interesting. The Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU comes with a 165Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time (MPRT). That's a pretty sweet combo for smooth and responsive gameplay. The high refresh rate makes a noticeable difference in fast-paced games, reducing motion blur and making everything feel more fluid. The 1ms response time (MPRT) also helps to minimize ghosting, although, as mentioned earlier, it's not completely eliminated.
AMD FreeSync Premium is also on board, which helps to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering when paired with a compatible AMD graphics card. This technology synchronizes the monitor's refresh rate with your graphics card's output, resulting in a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience. Input lag is also minimal, ensuring that your actions are translated to the screen without any noticeable delay.
The high refresh rate is a game-changer, providing a competitive edge in fast-paced titles. The monitor's ability to display up to 165 frames per second ensures that every action is rendered with exceptional clarity and smoothness. The AMD FreeSync Premium technology further enhances the gaming experience by eliminating screen tearing and stuttering. This makes the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU an ideal choice for gamers who demand the best possible performance. The monitor's low input lag ensures that your commands are executed instantly, giving you a significant advantage in competitive games. Whether you're playing first-person shooters, racing games, or strategy titles, the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU delivers a responsive and immersive gaming experience. The combination of high refresh rate, low response time, and AMD FreeSync Premium makes this monitor a true gaming powerhouse. For gamers on a budget, the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU offers exceptional value and performance, making it a top contender in the budget gaming monitor category.
Features and Ergonomics
Beyond the core specs, the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU offers a few extra features that are worth mentioning. It has built-in speakers, which are decent for casual use but don't expect them to blow you away. There's also a headphone jack for private listening. As for ergonomics, the stand offers tilt, swivel, and height adjustments, allowing you to find the perfect viewing position. This is crucial for long gaming sessions, as it helps to prevent neck and back strain.
The monitor also has a low blue light mode, which reduces the amount of blue light emitted from the screen. This can help to reduce eye strain and improve sleep quality, especially if you tend to game late into the night. The flicker-free technology further enhances eye comfort by eliminating screen flicker, which can cause fatigue and headaches. These features make the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU a comfortable and user-friendly monitor for extended use.
The monitor's ergonomic design allows you to customize the viewing angle to your liking, ensuring optimal comfort and reducing the risk of musculoskeletal issues. The built-in speakers are a convenient addition, eliminating the need for external speakers in some cases. The low blue light mode and flicker-free technology are essential features for anyone who spends long hours in front of the screen. The Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU also has a Kensington lock slot for added security, preventing theft in public spaces. The monitor's OSD (On-Screen Display) is intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing you to quickly adjust settings and customize your viewing experience. These features make the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU a versatile and practical choice for both gaming and everyday use.
Pros and Cons
To sum it all up, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU:
Pros:
- High refresh rate (165Hz)
- Low response time (1ms MPRT)
- AMD FreeSync Premium
- Good contrast ratio
- Adjustable stand
- Affordable price
Cons:
- 1080p resolution (may not be ideal for everyone)
- VA panel (some ghosting may occur)
- Built-in speakers are not the best
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
So, is the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU worth it? Absolutely! For the price, you're getting a fantastic gaming monitor with a high refresh rate, low response time, and AMD FreeSync Premium. It's not perfect, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons. If you're on a budget and looking for a solid gaming monitor, the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU is definitely worth considering.
It's a great all-around monitor that offers excellent value for the money. Whether you're a casual gamer or a competitive enthusiast, the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU will not disappoint. The monitor's high refresh rate and low response time provide a smooth and responsive gaming experience, while the AMD FreeSync Premium technology eliminates screen tearing and stuttering. The adjustable stand allows you to customize the viewing angle for optimal comfort, and the low blue light mode and flicker-free technology help to reduce eye strain during extended use. The Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU is a top contender in the budget gaming monitor category, offering exceptional performance and features at an affordable price. For gamers who want to experience high-quality gaming without breaking the bank, the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU is an excellent choice. The monitor's image quality, gaming performance, and ergonomic design make it a versatile and practical choice for both gaming and everyday use. Overall, the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU is a winner, providing a fantastic gaming experience at a price that won't break the bank.